Crossing the stage, preparing to serve Sāmoa

Bachelor of Science graduate Angela-Lani Ah Sam Tuiafiso left Sāmoa to study at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland on a Manaaki Scholarship three years ago.

She crossed the stage on 22 September with her father Salā Sagato Tuiafiso (Leauvaa, Vailele) and mother Fanua Ah Sam Tuiafiso (Fagalii) having travelled to Auckland for her graduation.

Angela says that the most difficult part of her journey was being far from home and away from family.

The Environmental Science graduate grew up in Fagalii under the care of her grandparents, whose values of faith, service and respect shaped the person she is today.

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are fully funded New Zealand Government awards supporting students from developing partner countries to study in Aotearoa with a view to returning home equipped to contribute to their nation's future.

"My journey through university has never just been about getting a degree for myself," she says. "It has been about making my family proud, making the most of the opportunities I've been given, and gaining knowledge and experiences that I can ultimately use to contribute back to Sāmoa and the wider Pacific."

Angela attended Sāmoa Primary School before progressing to Sāmoa College, where her passion for science began to flourish. She later completed a foundation year at the National University of Sāmoa before earning a Manaaki Scholarship, which enabled her to continue her tertiary studies at the University of Auckland.

She says the time away from Sāmoa became a period of remarkable personal growth.

"When I think about the person I was when I first started university, I realise how much has changed," she says. "I became more disciplined, more independent and more confident in my ability to learn."

Her interest in environmental science was shaped in part by her father, a meteorologist, and by the realities facing Pacific Island nations.

"In Sāmoa, climate change is a very real threat. That made me want to understand the science behind these issues, but also to explore how I could use that knowledge in a way that was meaningful to me and our communities in Sāmoa."

Studying environmental science has reinforced for Angela the importance of Pacific voices in conversations about climate change, sustainability and the future of Pacific communities.

"I'm proud to be part of that representation," she says. "Our Pacific perspectives and experiences have an important place in these fields."

She believes leadership is about creating pathways for others.

"Sometimes leadership is simply having the courage to step into a space, learn from the experience and make that space a little easier for the person who comes after you."

Throughout her studies, Angela drew strength from the support of family, friends and the University community. She found a sense of belonging among fellow Pacific students in her first year and later through involvement with Pacific initiatives across the University.

She is particularly grateful to the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific, where she was able to grow as a student leader while contributing to the wider University community.

Angela credits her faith in helping her navigate the tertiary environment successfully: “I thank God for his strength, guidance, and grace throughout my journey.”

Her university years were also marked by personal loss. Angela farewelled beloved grandparents who had played pivotal roles in her upbringing. Despite the challenges of grieving while being far from home, she says their love, prayers and values continued to sustain her.

As she looks ahead, Angela's focus is firmly on giving back.

"I want to gain practical experience in the environmental and climate space in Sāmoa," she says.

"I came to New Zealand to gain an education and experiences that I might not otherwise have had access to. I don't want that knowledge to stay with me. I want to eventually take it back, build on it and find ways that it can contribute to Sāmoa and Pacific communities."

While she is still exploring where her career may lead, Angela hopes to one day undertake research on climate change issues relevant to Sāmoa and the wider Pacific region.

Graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter grounded in service, learning and a commitment to her people.

"For me, values like fa'aaloalo and tautua are a big part of who I am," she says.

"This achievement carries the love, prayers, sacrifices, guidance and support of so many people who have been part of my journey."